Re-vibe Counselling Information and Privacy Notice
Updated 10 August 2023
Contact details
Name: Clare Gale, Re-vibe Counselling
Address: Studio A, Birdwood House, 44 High Street, Totnes, Devon, TQ9 5ND
Phone Number: 07305 863661
E-mail: c[email protected]
Web: www.revibe-counselling.co.uk
Why I record and store personal information
There is some personal information that I need to hold in order to provide my service to clients. I aim to keep the information I record to a minimum. At the outset of our work together my clients give specific consent to my keeping this information.
The information I record and how I store it
For each of my counselling clients I record the following:
Their name, address, email address, DOB, telephone number and GP surgery
These are recorded on paper or emailed electronically, as part of an information and privacy agreement signed by the client. They will be either handwritten or printed out and stored in a locked filing cabinet, and the electronic copy will be deleted.
Email address
Stored in the email contacts folder on a laptop computer. This is deleted after contact ends. Access to the laptop is password protected.
Telephone number
Stored in the contacts folder on a dedicated business mobile telephone. Access to the phone is protected by a pass code.
Name and client reference number
Recorded on a paper list stored separately from other client details. Stored in a locked filing cabinet.
Session Notes
I make handwritten notes after the session, which is limited only to what I need in order to provide my service safely and ethically to you. Session notes are recorded on paper, anonymised (reference to the client and other individuals is made using initials. The notes are linked to the client by use of a client reference number) and handwritten. Stored in a locked filing cabinet, except for most recent sheet which I carry with me when working and which is not left unattended unless under lock and key.
Text messages
Stored on a dedicated business mobile phone.
Email from clients
Saved to a specific folder on a password protected laptop computer and deleted after one month.
How I use the information I store
Contact information enables me to communicate with my clients between counselling sessions. I record details of my clients’ GP surgery in the unlikely event that I judge it to be in a client’s interest for me to take action to ensure their safety. My session notes help me to remember and reflect upon what my clients have shared with me, thereby enabling me to work with them as effectively as possible. In the event of an emergency involving myself, my Supervisor has emergency access to my contact details in order to make contact with you.
How long I store information for
A client’s information that I store electronically will be deleted within one month of my work with them ending. I keep paper records for six years. This is to enable me to refer back to previous work with returning clients and to respond to any complaints or other issues that might arise after our work has ended. If a client asks me to delete/destroy records within these time periods I will do so.
Sharing information with third parties
As a member of the NCPS (National Counselling and Psychotherapy Society) I am required to receive regular supervision of my work. This involves me discussing with my supervisor what my clients share with me. In doing so I do not mention my clients’ full names or any other details which might enable my supervisor to identify them.
I will share a client’s personal information with a third party if that client asks me to do so or if we agree that doing so would be in their interest. When possible, I will share this information in electronic form copied to the client.
I may share information with relevant authorities in order to ensure the safety of children or vulnerable adults. I will also share information if legally required to do so e.g. if that information relates to drug dealing, money laundering or terrorism or if a subpoena is issued requiring me to submit my session notes to court.
Where 3rd party apps are used (e.g. Zoom, Protonmail, Google calendar, WordPress), please note that their privacy information may vary and is not within my control.
Clients’ access to information, correction of inaccuracies and concerns about my data management
If a client asks me for a copy of any of their personal information I will do so within 30 calendar days. In the case of session notes or other records held on paper these will be a scanned copy. I will make no charge for meeting any reasonable request for access to information. If a client believes that I hold information relating to them that is factually inaccurate I will correct it at their request. If a client believes that I am managing their information incorrectly they have the right to complain to the Information Commissioner’s Office.
You are able to remove your consent at any time. You can do this by contacting Clare Gale on 07305 863661 or [email protected]
Information breaches
If I have any reason to believe that a client’s information has been accessed without authorisation I will:
- inform the client as soon as I am able and agree actions they would like me to take for their protection
- report the matter to the police, if appropriate
- take any necessary action to protect other information that I hold
How to complain
If you have any concerns about our use of your personal information, you can make a complaint to us at [Insert your organisation’s contact details for data protection queries].
You can also complain to the ICO if you are unhappy with how we have used your data.
The ICO’s address: Information Commissioner’s Office, Wycliffe House, Water Lane, Wilmslow, Cheshire, SK9 5AF
Helpline number: 0303 123 1113
ICO website: https://www.ico.org.uk